Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade
- Platforms: Amiga
- Developers: Microdeal
- Publishers: Microdeal
Fright Night (1988): A Retro Horror Classic
Released in 1988, Fright Night is a side-scrolling action game based on the popular 1985 horror film of the same name. Players take on the role of Jerry Dandrige, a charismatic vampire who has recently moved into a new neighborhood. Jerry’s hunger for blood soon puts him at odds with the local residents, and it’s up to the player to help him satisfy his thirst while avoiding detection.
Gameplay
Fright Night is a side-scrolling action game with a heavy emphasis on stealth and exploration. Players must guide Jerry through a variety of environments, including houses, graveyards, and sewers, while avoiding the attention of the local townsfolk. Jerry can use his vampire powers to turn into a bat, which allows him to fly over obstacles and sneak past enemies. He can also use his hypnotic gaze to stun enemies and make them easier to kill.
Jerry’s main objective in each level is to find and kill a certain number of victims. He can do this by either biting them or using his hypnotic gaze to drain their blood. Once all of the victims have been killed, Jerry must escape from the level without being detected.
Setting and Atmosphere
Fright Night is set in a small town that is being terrorized by a vampire. The game’s atmosphere is dark and eerie, with plenty of jump scares and creepy sound effects. The graphics are simple but effective, and they do a good job of creating a sense of dread and suspense.
Legacy
Fright Night was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, creepy atmosphere, and faithful adaptation of the source material. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers today.
Review
Fright Night is a classic horror game that still holds up today. The gameplay is fun and challenging, the atmosphere is creepy and immersive, and the graphics are charmingly retro. If you’re a fan of horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Fright Night.
Score: 8/10
Tips for Playing Fright Night
- Use stealth to your advantage. Jerry is at his most vulnerable when he is in human form. Use his vampire powers to turn into a bat and sneak past enemies whenever possible.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to kill victims in Fright Night. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
- Be careful not to get detected. If Jerry is detected by the townsfolk, he will be chased and attacked. Avoid detection by staying out of sight and using your vampire powers to your advantage.
- Don’t forget to feed. Jerry needs to drink blood to survive. Make sure to kill enough victims to keep him satisfied.
Fun Facts
- Fright Night was one of the first video games to be based on a horror movie.
- The game’s soundtrack was composed by Tim Follin, who is known for his work on other classic video games such as R-Type and Gradius.
- Fright Night was banned in Germany due to its violent content.
Review Score
7.5/10